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EU Sanctions Five Iranian Judges and Ashiyane Founder Over Rights Abuses

This expands EU pressure by naming judicial actors as well as a cyber founder linked to state information control.

EU European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas delivers a joint statement with Philippines Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro (not pictured) on the Enhanced Partnership between the Philippines and the European Union, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center on July 24, 2026 in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. Ezra Acayan/Pool via REUTERS
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The EU continues to target Iranians involved in state repression. EPA

Overview

  • The EU announced the measures on Friday, July 24, 2026, sanctioning five unnamed Iranian judges and Nima Salehi, founder of the Ashiyane cyber group.
  • The bloc said the steps target alleged human rights violations and the cyber group's role in helping the state suppress information.
  • The Council linked Ashiyane to Iran's Cyber Police (FATA) and the IRGC, citing close cooperation between the group and state security organs.
  • Sanctions typically impose asset freezes and travel bans, which could restrict the listed judges' and Salehi's overseas movement and access to funds.
  • The move brings the EU's tally to 269 individuals and 53 entities and follows years of stepped up measures since the 2022 protests to pressure Tehran's repression apparatus.